Millions of people suffer from bruxism. The SleepRight NIght Secure-Comfort Dental Guard is an affordable way to relieve the effects of teeth grinding.

In "Bruxism - Signs and Symptoms", Dr. Melissa Conrad Stoppler estimates that 50 - 95% of adults and 15% of children clench and grind their teeth. Bruxism can lead to problems such as TMJ Disorder, tinnitus, problems swallowing, loss of teeth sensitivity and loss of teeth.

Using a dental guard at night can help ease the pain and effects of teeth grinding at night. The SleepRight Secure-Comfort Dental Guard is one of three dental guards created by Splintek, Inc. as an affordable treatment for teeth grinding and clenching.

A Look at the SleepRight Secure-Comfort Dental Guard

The SleepRight Secure-Comfort Guard is a clear, soft dental guard and therefore does not require boiling to make it fit to the user's mouth. It is made from polypropylene and EVA and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The guard has adjustable bite-pads to adjust to the user's mouth size. The bite-pads swivel to match the user's bite. This model contains stability wings to provide a higher level of security than Splintek's Slim-Comfort model. The smooth band sits beneath the lower teeth to prevent the guard from sliding.

The SleepRight Secure-Comfort Guard was designed by dentists at Splintek and is available online at Amazon and at select drug stores throughout Canada and the United States.It retails for approximately $50 CAD.

Splintek also sells a Slim-Comfort and Dura-Comfort model. It is ranked #9 on Amazon under Health & Personal Care.

Use and Care of the SleepRight Secure-Comfort Night Guard

The SleepRight guard encourages the jaw to adjust to a healthy "lips together, teeth apart" position, fostering muscle relaxation. It can be used at night or throughout the day. However, the manufacturers recommend that the SleepRight be used for no more than 12 hours a day.

Prior to using the the SleepRight for the first time, the guard should be rinsed with cool water for initial cleaning and to provide lubrication. The bite-pads should rest between the upper and lower molars, with the front edge of the pads resting between the cuspid and the premolar teeth. There are four notches located on both sides of the guard to allow the user to move the bite-pads backwards or forwards to achieve the optimal fit.

The thermal band should sit between the lower lip and gums. The band will adjust to the user's body temperature.

The Secure-Comfort Guard is available in plain and mint-flavor.

The SleepRight guard can be cleaned by rinsing it with cool water or mouthwash. For a deeper clean, users can brush it with mouthwash or toothpaste. When not in use, it should be stored in the carrying case that came with it.

How Well Does the SleepRight Secure-Comfort Night Guard Work?

The product's softness is a double-edged sword. The adjustment time to the product is shorter than the adjustment time required for a customized occlusal splint made of acrylic resin. Users can adjust to the SleepRight guard within a matter of days. In addition, it is significantly cheaper than a customized teeth guard.

The efficacy of the Sleep Right Secure-Comfort Night Guard depends mainly upon the severity of the user's bruxism. During times of stress, people with bruxism tend to clench and grind more frequently and vigorously. This will affect the lifespan of the bite-pads. This product is not recommended for people with severe TMJ Disorder or for children.

I went through two SleepRight Secure Comfort Dental Guards in the span of three months. Long enough for me to order a customized occlusal splint, which lasts for years.

Users can extend the lifespan of their Sleep Right guard by massaging the jaw area, applying heat to the tempromandibular joint and doing isometric jaw exercises to relax the jaw before bedtime.

People with TMJ Disorder severe bruxism should consult their dentist when deciding upon the best course of treatment for their jaw clenching and teeth grinding.

As a method to treat bruxism, the SleepRight Secure-Comfort Guard is a viable option for people who clench and grind their teeth. The short adjustment time and affordable price are big benefits to this product, while the adjustable bite-pads are unique among the soft mouth guards in the market.

Originally published on Suite101.com on March 29, 2010. Updated March 22, 2013. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.